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Synthesis and Applications of Novel Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Catalysis

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 5330

Special Issue Editors

Paris Curie Engineer School, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
Interests: nanomaterials; electrocatalysis

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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, Ministry of Education of China, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
Interests: nanochemistry; photodetction; electrocatalysis; catalytical combustion; gas sensors; photoluminescence; Li ion batteries; energy storage
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Low-dimensional nanomaterials have emerged as some of the most promising candidates for heterogeneous electrocatalysts due to their unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties. Various low-dimensional nanomaterials have been constructed and applied as electrocatalysts in the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles.

This Special Issue aims to provide a broad survey of the most recent advances in low-dimensional nanomaterials and their applications in electrocatalysis. We invite researchers in this field to submit original research articles or reviews that discuss different engineering strategies for low-dimensional nanomaterials and these strategies have the influence on intrinsic electrocatalytic performance, such as electronic properties and adsorption energetics, and their applications in diverse electrochemical reactions are welcome.

Dr. Lu Lu
Prof. Dr. Xingcai Wu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • low-dimensional nanomaterials
  • electrocatalysis
  • energy storage
  • carbon nanomaterials
  • photocatalysis

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2312 KiB  
Article
Aqueous Synthesis of Au10Pt1 Nanorods Decorated with MnO2 Nanosheets for the Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol
by Ting Li, Yidan Liu, Yibin Huang, Zhong Yu and Lei Huang
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3753; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163753 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Developing novel catalysts with high activity and high stability for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is of great importance for the ever-broader applications of methanol fuel cells. Herein, we present a facile technique for synthesizing Au10Pt1@MnO2 catalysts using [...] Read more.
Developing novel catalysts with high activity and high stability for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is of great importance for the ever-broader applications of methanol fuel cells. Herein, we present a facile technique for synthesizing Au10Pt1@MnO2 catalysts using a wet chemical method and investigate their catalytic performance for the MOR. Notably, the Au10Pt1@MnO2-M composite demonstrated a significantly high peak mass activity of 15.52 A mg(Pt)−1, which is 35.3, 57.5, and 21.9 times greater than those of the Pt/C (0.44 A mg(Pt)−1), Pd/C (0.27 A mg(Pt)−1), and Au10Pt1 (0.71 A mg(Pt)−1) catalysts, respectively. Comparative analysis with commercial Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts, as well as Au10Pt1 HSNRs, revealed that the Au10Pt1@MnO2-M composite exhibited the lowest initial potential, the highest peak current density, and superior CO anti-poisoning capability. The results demonstrate that the introduction of MnO2 nanosheets, with excellent oxidation capability, not only significantly increases the reactive sites, but also promotes the reaction kinetics of the catalyst. Furthermore, the high surface area of the MnO2 nanosheets facilitates charge transfer and induces modifications in the electronic structure of the composite. This research provides a straightforward and effective strategy for the design of efficient electrocatalytic nanostructures for MOR applications. Full article
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9 pages, 2538 KiB  
Communication
Concerns on the Effects of Electrode Positions in Electrolyte Container for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
by Fan Zhang, Yayun Zhao, Xiaofeng Chen, Shengxiao Zhao, Junjie Zhou, Zhiyi Lu and Yichao Lin
Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8143; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248143 - 18 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1086
Abstract
Water electrolysis is currently a major technique to produce clean hydrogen, which is regarded as a promising and sustainable energy carrier. The efficiency of water electrolysis is highly dependent on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the anode. The evaluation of an OER [...] Read more.
Water electrolysis is currently a major technique to produce clean hydrogen, which is regarded as a promising and sustainable energy carrier. The efficiency of water electrolysis is highly dependent on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the anode. The evaluation of an OER electrocatalyst is frequently carried out on a three-electrode system in a container of electrolyte. Herein, we found that the electrode positions in the electrolyte container could significantly affect the data acquisition of OER performance. After a detailed investigation, we reveal that the difference of the OER activity of an electrocatalyst at a different position is originated from their different iRu drop and the gas diffusion resistance. For the first time, this work evokes concerns on the accurate evaluation of electrocatalysts regarding the electrode position. For fair comparisons and reliable results, it is strongly suggested to keep the electrode position unchanged in the electrochemical measurements. In addition, the establishment of a standard electrolyzer setup for electrocatalysis evaluation in the electrochemical community is also called for. Full article
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Review

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20 pages, 3634 KiB  
Review
Heteronuclear Dual Metal Atom Electrocatalysts for Water-Splitting Reactions
by Lu Lu and Xingcai Wu
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081812 - 16 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1100
Abstract
Hydrogen is considered a promising substitute for traditional fossil fuels because of its widespread sources, high calorific value of combustion, and zero carbon emissions. Electrocatalytic water-splitting to produce hydrogen is also deemed to be an ideal approach; however, it is a challenge to [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is considered a promising substitute for traditional fossil fuels because of its widespread sources, high calorific value of combustion, and zero carbon emissions. Electrocatalytic water-splitting to produce hydrogen is also deemed to be an ideal approach; however, it is a challenge to make highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are considered the most promising candidate to replace traditional noble metal catalysts. Compared with SACs, dual-atom catalysts (DACs) are capable of greater attraction, including higher metal loading, more versatile active sites, and excellent catalytic activity. In this review, several general synthetic strategies and structural characterization methods of DACs are introduced, and recent experimental advances in water-splitting reactions are discussed. The authors hope that this review provides insights and inspiration to researchers regarding DACs in electrocatalytic water-splitting. Full article
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20 pages, 9154 KiB  
Review
RuO2 Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution in Acidic Media: Mechanism, Activity Promotion Strategy and Research Progress
by Jirong Bai, Wangkai Zhou, Jinnan Xu, Pin Zhou, Yaoyao Deng, Mei Xiang, Dongsheng Xiang and Yaqiong Su
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020537 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2317
Abstract
Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) under acidic conditions outperforms alkaline water electrolysis in terms of less resistance loss, higher current density, and higher produced hydrogen purity, which make it more economical in long-term applications. However, the efficiency of PEMWE is severely limited [...] Read more.
Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) under acidic conditions outperforms alkaline water electrolysis in terms of less resistance loss, higher current density, and higher produced hydrogen purity, which make it more economical in long-term applications. However, the efficiency of PEMWE is severely limited by the slow kinetics of anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), poor catalyst stability, and high cost. Therefore, researchers in the past decade have made great efforts to explore cheap, efficient, and stable electrode materials. Among them, the RuO2 electrocatalyst has been proved to be a major promising alternative to Ir-based catalysts and the most promising OER catalyst owing to its excellent electrocatalytic activity and high pH adaptability. In this review, we elaborate two reaction mechanisms of OER (lattice oxygen mechanism and adsorbate evolution mechanism), comprehensively summarize and discuss the recently reported RuO2-based OER electrocatalysts under acidic conditions, and propose many advanced modification strategies to further improve the activity and stability of RuO2-based electrocatalytic OER. Finally, we provide suggestions for overcoming the challenges faced by RuO2 electrocatalysts in practical applications and make prospects for future research. This review provides perspectives and guidance for the rational design of highly active and stable acidic OER electrocatalysts based on PEMWE. Full article
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